The Déclaration Préalable à l’Embauche (DPAE), formerly known as the Single Hiring Declaration (DUE), is a legal requirement for employers before onboarding a new employee. This process ensures compliance and guarantees social protection for the new hire.
What is the purpose of the DPAE ?
The DPAE registers your employee with the relevant authorities, primarily URSSAF, and allows you to:
- For your first hire:
- Register your company with the general Social Security system and unemployment insurance.
- Join an occupational health service.
- Register your employee with the Primary Health Insurance Fund for social security benefits.
- Grant access to all social rights.
- Schedule the mandatory medical examination.
- Prepare your Annual Social Data Declaration (DADS).
How to submit a DPAE?
The declaration must be submitted before the employee starts work, and no earlier than 8 days before the planned start date. It is completed online via https://www.net-entreprises.fr:
- Online form.
- File upload from your payroll software.
Within 5 business days, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt. If you do not contest within 2 days, this serves as proof of declaration.
What information must be included ?
Your DPAE must include:
- Company name and address.
- APE code.
- SIRET number or provisional registration number.
- Contact details of your chosen occupational health service.
- Employee details: full name, date and place of birth, gender, social security number.
- Date and time of hiring.
- Type and duration of the contract, and trial period (for permanent contracts and fixed-term contracts over 6 months).
For more details, visit https://www.demarches.interieur.gouv.fr.
What happens if you forget ?
All companies, regardless of size or contract type, must complete the DPAE. Small businesses (SMEs) can use the Titre emploi-service entreprise (Tese) as a simplified alternative.
Failure to comply may result in:
- Payment of unpaid social security contributions to URSSAF.
- A €1,095 fine per employee.
- Criminal penalties.